Battling Boys produced brave display in cup defeat

Andrew Hunt

Batley Boys produced a terrific effort before bowing out of the BARLA National Cup 28-18 to Illingworth at Halifax Road last Saturday.

Illingworth started well, scoring an unconverted try soon after the kick-off but good work from forwards Mark Grayshon, Sean Whitaker and Sean Sheard led to Mick Dyson crossing for Batley’s first try, which he converted.

The pressure never eased as Illingworth scored a second unconverted try to edge back in front.

Good work from Josh Whitehead and Ryan Crossley took the Boys into decent field position, with Aaron James producing some neat footwork to side-step his way to the line. Dyson converted.

Batley maintained the pressure with good work from Rob Bingham, Matthew Denison and Gavin Davies.

Josh Whitehead broke away and raced downfield to score between the posts, with Dyson’s conversion putting the Boys 18-10 ahead at half-time.

Illingworth increased the pressure after the break and got back into the game with a converted try.

Batley’s defence worked hard to keep Illingworth at bay but they conceded penalties and had a man sin-binned.

Illingworth took advantage to score another converted try to take the lead.

Batley tried hard to get back into the game but it was Illingworth who managed to break the defence again and sealed their victory with a third converted try of the half.

Batley gave their all and worked well together with man-of-the-match going to Sean Whitaker, followed by Sean Sheard and Gavin Davis.

Top Tackler was Aaron James followed by Matthew Denison and Whitaker.

Batley Boys return to Pennine League Championship action on Saturday when they welcome King Cross Park to Halifax Road.

The Boys are fifth in the table, following a league restructure, and they still have 12 matches remaining and will be aiming to climb the standings.

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